Kikuyu Grass Tips To Get The Best Performance Out Of It

In the list of low-maintenance turfs, the name 'Kikuyu' is always on the top, as it requires very low maintenance to survive well. This turf is known for being a very invasive grass and having very aggressive growth. These two traits make this turf very low demanding in terms of maintenance, and also, Kikuyu lawns Sydney can survive very well in a wide range of conditions. This grass can be used in residential and commercial, larger species such as racecourses, parks, and pastures for livestock grazing.

 

Key Characteristics

You will find this turf handling full sun very quickly, and it comes with the capability to establish a solid deep root base. This root base helps this turf survive hot summer days and the long summer season very easily. Even in drought-like conditions, this turf will survive and emerge victorious after long dry months.

• Strong, deep root base
• Poor shade tolerance
• Highly invasive, quick repairing
• Acceptable drought tolerance

 

The stolons and rhizomes are very aggressive in this turf, and both contribute a lot in making this turf very aggressive at turf farms.

 

Important Points Related To The Installing Of Kikuyu Grass

• Install the grass as soon as possible after delivery.
• Lay on a bed of 100mm of quality turf underlay.
• Roll to compact new turf to improve contact with the soil.
• Soak the newly laid turf thoroughly for 10-14 days after installation or until established.
• Reduce irrigation once established and water only when the grass appears to be dry.
• Minimise irrigation in the cooler months to avoid your lawn getting waterlogged.
• Consult your local supplier for seasonal advice on installation timing in cooler regions.

 

Kikuyu Grass Maintenance – Some Useful Tips

Experts recommend that new lawns of Kikuyu should be maintained to make this turf survive the initial phase successfully. They give the following tips related to the irrigation of this turf.

• Once established, the watering-related requirements would be there, but you should water only when there are signs of grass drying out.
•  It is recommended not to water at all in winter months.
• Irrigation is needed, and exports recommend that you should deeply soak the top 100 ml of soil, and this means that 30 minutes of standard sprinkler would be enough.
• Watering should always be done early in the morning to improve water absorption.

 

Mowing Related Requirements

Kikuyu lawns Sydney require frequent mowing in the warmer months, as this turf has aggressive growth habits. In terms of mowing, experts from turf farms recommend that you should never remove more than one-third of the leaf.

• You should also ensure that the mower's blades are sharp to prevent the tearing of leaves.
• As mentioned above, you should not remove more than one-third of the leaf.
• Dethatching can be done in the late spring season for better results.

 

Guidelines For Fertilizing

Kikuyu grass and Kikuyu lawn are both highly responsive to nitrogen, and in the event of a high amount of nitrogen application, you will see a strong flush of leaf growth. The wiser idea is to apply slow-release fertilizer during the warmer months as this will keep leaf growth in your control.

• Slow-release granular fertilizer should be applied at the rate of 25 grams/meter square and 2.5 kilograms per 100 m square.
• Fertilizer application should be done at least three times in a year during the late spring season, mid to late summer and in late autumn season.
• After the fertilizer is applied, never forget to irrigate the Kikuyu lawns Sydney.
• Particularly in new lawns in Sydney, it is recommended to apply fertilizer after you have cut your lawn at least once.